The treecrop industry met this week to begin a food safety risk assessment that included identifying research needs for citrus and non-citrus treecrops and treenuts. Thirty academic and industry representatives met in Sacramento, Calif. for a 2-day session that was organized by the Western Institute for Food Safety and Technology. During the meeting, the group discussed relative risks throughout the treecrop supply chain, critical control points and primary research needs. "The treecrop industry should be commended for this proactive approach," said Dr. David Gombas, sr. vice president food safety and technology at United Fresh. "While fresh treecrops have not been involved in foodborne outbreaks, the industry recognizes that it must be diligent in assessing its risk, no matter how small that risk may be."